One Pot Stuffed Cabbage Stew

When I think of comfort food, One Pot Stuffed Cabbage Stew immediately comes to mind. This dish brings back memories of cozy family dinners, where the aroma of simmering cabbage fills the air. I remember the first time I made it during a chilly winter evening, excited to warm up my home and my family’s hearts. The combination of flavors—savory ground turkey, sweet carrots, and hearty cabbage—creates a delightful medley that’s perfect for sharing. Every spoonful is like a warm hug, nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this stew is sure to be a hit. The best part? It all comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Join me as we dive into the details of this heartwarming recipe!

Essential Ingredients for One Pot Stuffed Cabbage Stew

The ingredients in One Pot Stuffed Cabbage Stew are not only wholesome but also complement each other beautifully. Each player brings its own unique flavor and texture, making the dish a warm and inviting option for any meal. The combination of ground turkey, cabbage, and tomatoes creates a hearty base, while carrots add a touch of sweetness. Together, they create a balanced, nutritious meal that feels like a cozy hug on a plate.

• 1 pound lean ground turkey: The primary protein source, providing a lighter alternative to traditional meat.
• 1 yellow onion small size, diced small: Adds depth of flavor and a slight sweetness to the stew.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness that complements all the other ingredients.
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced small: Adds color, sweetness, and health benefits to the stew.
• 2 cups beef broth, low-sodium: Provides a rich base for the stew, enhancing the overall flavor.
• 2 cups chicken broth, low-sodium: Balances the richness and adds another layer of flavor.
• 14 ounces diced tomatoes, canned, no sugar added: Brings acidity and freshness to the stew.
• 1/4 cup tomato paste, no sugar added: Thickens the stew and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• 1/2 cup brown rice, uncooked and rinsed: Adds heartiness and texture to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons molasses: Sweetens the dish and adds a touch of complexity.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the stew.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses a hint of earthiness that complements the other ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon ground fennel seed: Adds a unique flavor that enhances the stew’s complexity.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a subtle kick and balances the flavors.
• 6 cups green cabbage, chopped large: The star ingredient that gives the stew its name and a delightful texture.

Cooking Instructions for One Pot Stuffed Cabbage Stew

Cooking One Pot Stuffed Cabbage Stew is a straightforward and enjoyable process. I love how simple it is to bring everything together in one pot. Let’s walk through the steps to create this warming dish!

1. In a large soup pot, cook the ground turkey over medium heat. Break it into medium-sized chunks using a spatula. As it cooks, you’ll notice the meat starting to turn a lovely golden brown, which adds great flavor. It’s important to keep the heat at medium to ensure even cooking without burning.
2. When the ground turkey is about halfway cooked, add the diced onion, garlic, and carrot. Stir everything together, allowing the onion to soften and the garlic to become fragrant. This step is crucial as it builds the foundational flavors of the stew.
3. Continue cooking until the ground turkey is fully cooked through and the onion becomes translucent. This usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on the texture; the onion should be soft but not browning.
4. Next, add the remaining ingredients: the beef broth, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown rice, molasses, salt, oregano, fennel seed, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be vibrant and colorful.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. This is an exciting moment as you see all the flavors bubbling together. Stir frequently to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
6. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. This gentle cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You want to see a few bubbles breaking the surface, but it shouldn’t be a rolling boil.
7. Now, add the chopped cabbage into the pot. Gently stir it in, making sure it’s submerged in the broth. As it cooks, the cabbage will wilt down significantly, adding a lovely texture to the stew.
8. Continue to simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to check on the cabbage and ensure it’s cooked through. You’re looking for a tender texture; the cabbage should be soft but not mushy.
9. Once the cabbage is wilted and the stew is rich and aromatic, it’s time to ladle it into bowls. Serve it warm, and enjoy the comforting flavors you’ve created!

Change It Up

There are many ways to customize One Pot Stuffed Cabbage Stew to keep it exciting. Here are some ideas that might inspire you!

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
• Freezing: Yes, this stew freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of crusty bread or a simple mixed green salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Variations: Feel free to swap out the ground turkey for ground chicken or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor profile.
• Spices: Experiment with other herbs and spices like thyme or paprika to add your personal touch.
• Adding Beans: Incorporate canned beans for added protein and fiber, making it even heartier!

Serve This One Pot Stuffed Cabbage Stew With

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the flavors.
• Rice or Quinoa: For a more filling option, serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to absorb the stew.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables make a great accompaniment, adding color and nutrition to your meal.
• Occasions: Perfect for cozy family dinners, lunch gatherings, or even as a comforting dish during the winter holidays.
• Meal Prep: This stew is ideal for meal prepping; make a large batch and divide it into portions for quick lunches throughout the week.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, One Pot Stuffed Cabbage Stew is a nourishing and comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal. Its simplicity and wholesome ingredients make it a staple for both busy weeknights and cozy family dinners. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the delightful flavors and heartwarming satisfaction it offers. It’s a delicious way to bring loved ones together around the table.

One Pot Stuffed Cabbage Stew

The ultimate comfort food, One Pot Stuffed Cabbage Stew is a hearty and delicious dish that warms you from the inside out. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, it's an easy weeknight dinner that you can prepare in just one pot. Perfect for chilly evenings, this stew is sure to become a family favorite!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 1 small yellow onion, diced small
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced small
• 2 cups beef broth, low-sodium
• 2 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
• 14 ounces diced tomatoes, canned, no sugar added
• 1/4 cup tomato paste, no sugar added
• 1/2 cup brown rice, uncooked and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground fennel seed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 6 cups green cabbage, chopped large

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Cutting Board
• Saucepan
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Peeler

Method

 

1. In a large soup pot, cook ground turkey over medium heat, breaking it up into medium-sized chunks. When the meat is about halfway cooked, add onion, garlic, and carrot. Continue to cook until meat is cooked through and onions are soft.
2. Add remaining ingredients to the meat mixture, except the cabbage. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Add the cabbage and continue to simmer for 30 minutes until cabbage is wilted. Ladle into bowls, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

• Tip 1: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
• Tip 2: Yes, this stew freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
• Tip 3: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Tip 4: Feel free to swap out the ground turkey for ground chicken or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor profile.
• Tip 5: Experiment with other herbs and spices like thyme or paprika to add your personal touch.

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.